Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is set to be out of action for Liverpool in their tough match with Tottenham this weekend.

Liverpool are facing a crisis in their midfield area with Jordan Henderson being ruled out of action for their upcoming match with Tottenham, leaving Brendan Rodgers with only two fit central midfielders.

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring strain and now Henderson is joining him on the sidelines after the England international suffered an ankle injury in the Reds' 4-1 win over West Ham.

This leaves Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen having to take centre stage for Liverpool as they travel to White Hart Lane to face Spurs at the weekend and the injuries couldn't come at a worse time for Rodgers with the side facing a tough Christmas schedule that includes Manchester City and Chelsea away in their next four matches.

The manager insisted though that he has faith in Lucas and Allen to produce what's required of them, telling reporters: "Lucas has been excellent for us and he has forced his way into the Brazil side, so he has that quality and experience to step up and take the responsibility.

"Joe looks like he did when he first came here with his movement, his body work and fluency on the ball and that's what we need right now.

"We have a number of small players on the field but if we have the ball and the other team hasn't, I think they struggle with it.

"We need that mobility and constant movement in the midfield to get on the ball and knit the game together."

The loss of Henderson will still be difficult for the side to take, with the midfielder turning his career with Liverpool around over the last year and becoming an integral member of the squad.

And without Daniel Sturridge, who is recovering from an injury sustained during international duty, squad depth will be tested and the manager will no doubt consider the possibility of entering the January transfer market to search for reinforcements.